Gripping device and method for protecting the hoof of a horse from concussive forces

ABSTRACT

This invention relates to a gripping device for a horse&#39;s hoof to provide improved grip to the surface on which the hoof contacts, and a method therefor. The gripping device comprises an elastomeric or polymeric material integrally molded to a gripping plate whereby to form a pad and a surface gripping section that extends upwardly from the plate and in part above the pad. The gripping device spreads shock and concussive forces evenly through the device, distributing pressure over the entire surface of the hoof. The present device provides traction protection and has therapeutic shoeing applications. The present device may be used in conjunction with a hospital plate which overlies an injury to the hoof wherein the elastomeric or polymeric material is cut out at the wound and overlies same, the hospital plate fitting into the cut out portion.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] This invention relates to a gripping device for a horse's hoofand used in conjunction with the conventional horseshoe to provideimproved grip to the surface on which the hoof contacts, and a methodfor protecting the hoof of a horse. More particularly, the inventionrelates to an elastomeric pad provided with a raised gripping (ortraction) element to simultaneously spread shock and concussive forcesevenly through the device thereby distributing pressure over the horse'shoof while improving traction between the horse's hoof and thecontacting surface.

[0003] 2. Description of Related Art

[0004] Horseshoes come in a variety of sizes and shapes depending on thetype of horse and activity for which the horse is to be engaged.Generally horseshoes are U-shaped and conform to the circumference ofthe hoof with two branches emanating from the toe area and projectingbeyond the heel. Typically, the horseshoe is nailed to the hoof. Everythree to five weeks due to the growth of the horse's hoof, the shoe isremoved and the hoof trimmed. The shoe can be reused or reset each timeuntil it is worn out. Although iron or metal horseshoes offer protectionto the horse's foot, they offer little or no absorption of shock andconcussion when the horse moves, especially when carrying a rider.Furthermore, metal shoes wear smooth and provide little traction on manysurfaces.

[0005] In recent years horseshoes of various plastics and elastomershave been tried. Although they increase the absorption of shock andconcussion, they fail to offer proper protection to the horse's hoofbecause of their lack of stiffness, shapeability and durability.Typically, the better the particular material performs as a shockabsorber, the worse its wear characteristics. Further, these shoes havetypically wear smooth and as a result traction or grip is lost.

[0006] A suitable gripping device which improves the grip between thehorse's hoof and the contacting surface and spreading shock over thehoof is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,636,695, issued Jun. 10, 1997 toWatson, Jr., et al, the specification of which is specificallyincorporated herein by reference. While this gripping device issuitable, it has been found that further protection to the horse's hooffrom concussive and shock forces would be desirable. Protecting ahorse's hoof from physical shock and concussive forces is an importantfactor with respect to horse involved in racing and other competitiveactivities.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] In accordance with the present invention, there is provided agripping device for horses which improves the grip or traction between ahorse's hoof and the contacting surface, spreads the shock evenly uponstriking the contacting surface, distributes pressure over the entiresurface of the hoof, and provides traction for the horse on the insideof the horseshoe.

[0008] In accordance with a preferred embodiment of this invention thereis provided a gripping device for use in conjunction with a generallyU-shaped horseshoe, the gripping device including a generally planarelastomeric shock absorbing pad adapted to spread the shock evenly uponstriking the contacting surface and distributing the pressure over theentire surface of the hoof, and a gripping or traction element forimproving the grip between a horse's hoof and the contacting surface.The pad has a top surface which faces toward and is secured to thehorse's hoof, a bottom surface opposite the top surface, and an outerperiphery having a shape that conforms, at least in part, to thecurvilinear shape of the horseshoe. The gripping or traction elementcomprises a metal plate preformed to include a raised T-shaped sectionextending upwardly from the center of the plate. The plate is,preferably, embedded interiorly of the pad and the raised T-shapedsection projects, at least in part, above the bottom surface of the padto improve traction.

[0009] In accordance with one preferred embodiment, the pad is formed toinclude an outer periphery of predetermined shape that enables it to fitwithin and be bounded within an interior wall of the horseshoe,whereupon the pad with its inlaid traction element is secured to thebottom surface of the horse's hoof.

[0010] In accordance with another preferred embodiment, the pad isformed to include an outer periphery of predetermined shape thatsubstantially coextensive with and is bounded by the exterior wall ofthe horseshoe, whereupon the pad with its traction element is secured tothe bottom surface of the horse's hoof and is disposed between thebottom surface of the horse's hoof and the top surface of the horseshoe.

[0011] Advantageously, the gripping device disclosed herein protects thehorse's foot and inhibits stone bruising.

[0012] The gripping device prevents irregular objects from penetratingthe frog and sole of the hoof ensuring protection and enhancing hoofintegrity.

[0013] The traction portion in the center of the gripping device doesnot protrude past the contacting surface of the horseshoe. When thehorseshoe penetrates the ground surface (e. g., ⅛ to {fraction (3/16)}inch) the traction device comes into contact with the ground, reducingthe chance of slipping. Desirably, the traction element can be alteredby grinding it to the desired height.

[0014] The gripping device is desirably lightweight, provides support,and when worn as a preventative application in training and sportingevents, will protect the horse's feet.

[0015] The traction element stimulates circulation. When the tractionelement fills with dirt it applies even force on the elastomericmaterial of the pad, transmitting equal force to the horse's frog,stimulating circulation and promoting heeling, while the inlaid metalplate and elastomeric material support and protect injured areas.

[0016] For a more complete understanding of the present invention,reference is made to the following detailed description and accompanyingdrawings. In the drawings, like reference characters refer to like partsthroughout the several views, in which:

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017]FIG. 1 is a plan view of a pad from which a gripping deviceaccording to the present invention is formed;

[0018]FIG. 2 is an elevation view, in section, of the gripping devicetaken along line 2-2 of FIG. 1;

[0019] FIGS. 3-6 show the steps in forming a gripping device accordingto this invention;

[0020]FIG. 7 shows the gripping device of FIG. 6 mounted to a horse'shoof;

[0021]FIG. 8 shows an alternate embodiment of a gripping device,according to this invention, mounted to a horse's hoof;

[0022]FIG. 9A is a plan view of the device hereof used in cooperationwith a hospital plate the traction device utilizing an X-shape;

[0023]FIG. 9B is a plan view of the hospital plate; and

[0024]FIG. 9C is a side view of the hospital plate.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

[0025] As noted hereinabove, the invention is directed to a grippingdevice for spreading shock evenly through the device and distributingpressure over the entire surface of the horse's hoof 28 and improvingthe grip or traction between the hoof 28 and the contacting surface,such as a racing track, resulting in better traction for the horse,especially on a wet or muddy track or surface.

[0026] With more particularity and as shown in FIGS. 1-8, the grippingdevice hereof is, generally, denoted at 10 and 100 and each is,preferably, used in combination with a horseshoe 12 and adapted to besecured to the bottom surface of the horse's hoof. As shown best in FIG.8, the gripping device 10 has an outer periphery that is substantiallycoextensive with and bounded by the inner wall 24 of the horseshoe. Asshown best in FIGS. 6 and 7, the gripping device 100 is interposedbetween the horseshoe 12 and the horse's hoof 28 and has an outerperiphery that is substantially coextensive with and bounded by theouter wall 26 of the horseshoe.

[0027] Referring to FIG. 8, the horseshoe 12 is generally U-shapedhaving a central arcuate toe portion 14, an arcuate right leg or branchportion 16 and an arcuate left leg or branch portion 18. The shoe 12 hasa ground facing, substantially planar side 20, a top hoof wall or solefacing side 22, and a pair of U-shaped walls 24 and 26, the wall 24facing inwardly and forming the interior of the horseshoe and the wall26 facing outwardly and forming the exterior wall of the hoof. Thehorseshoe 12 may be made of any material suitable for horseshoes, suchas iron, and is typically secured to the horse's hoof 28 by nails.

[0028] The gripping devices 10 and 100 each comprise an elastomeric pad30 and a gripping element 32. The pad 30 of each device 10 and 100 iscut into shape, as needed, depending upon the shape of the horseshoe,from a formed pad 30′, as will be described hereinbelow.

[0029] The pad 30 comprises a flat top surface 34 that faces toward thehorse's hoof 28, a bottom surface 36 opposite the top surface, and anouter periphery 38. The outer periphery 38 of the gripping elements 10and 100, respectively, approximates the shape of the horseshoe innerwall 24 and outer wall 26.

[0030] The pad 30 is comprised of a rigid yet flexible material, such asrubber, neoprene or other suitable elastomer, a polymer, high-gradepolyurethane, or other durable stress resistant material. In a preferredembodiment the pad had a thickness of about 0.125 inches to 0.187inches, a width of about 6.5 inches, and a length of about 6.75 to 7.25inches. Depending on the physical activity the horse is involved in, thepad could be thinner or thicker, smaller or larger, thinner and smalleror thicker and larger—such as Western performance, to increase theresistance to impact forces of the horse's hoof.

[0031] The gripping or traction element 32 comprises a planar flat plate40 that is embedded (i.e., inlaid) into the elastomeric material.Preferably, the plate 40 is either X- or T-shaped or X-shaped, of asuitable metal, and comprises an arcuate portion 42, a rectangularportion 44, and a generally curvilinear raised portion or section 46formed centrally of the plate portions 42 and 44. Preferably and forreasons that will be described hereinbelow, a plurality of apertures 49are provided in the plate portions 42 and 44.

[0032] The raised section 46 comprises a continuous wall 47 and,generally, defines the outline of a “T”. The raised section 46 defines aT-shaped opening 48 that cooperates to bond to the pad material.Preferably, the raised section 46 is integral with the plate 40 andprojects upwardly therefrom to provide traction.

[0033] Additional details of the gripping element 32 are discussed inthe above-mentioned U. S. Pat. No. 5,636,695 and will not be discussedfurther.

[0034] Referring to FIGS. 1-6, in a method of manufacture of thegripping element 100, the preformed metal plate 40 is positioned in asuitable mold (not shown). An amount of rubber, neoprene or suitablepolymeric or elastomeric material is poured or otherwise introduced intothe mold and about the plate 40 whereby to embed the arcuate andrectangular portions 42 and 44 of the plate 40 in the material and at alocation between the top and bottom surfaces 34 and 36.

[0035] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the elastomeric material forms a pad30′.

[0036] As shown in FIG. 2, the raised section 46 is partially embeddedin the elastomeric material and projects upwardly from the bottomsurface 36. Additionally, a portion of the material may be introducedinto the T-shaped opening 48 of the raised portion 46 to help bond orsecure the plate 40 to the material.

[0037] Although the above discussion contemplates that the grippingelement 40 is preformed and supplied separately, it is to be understoodthat the raised section 46 can be integrally molded as part of the pad30′. Additionally, although the raised section 46 is illustrated asbeing generally T-shaped, it is to be understood that the shape could beother (e.g., X-shaped or Y-shaped). Further, an array of ribs or cleatlike members could be provided.

[0038] Depending on the application, the plate portions 42 and 44 couldbe stamped and formed from a metal plate to provide any desired shapeand gripping element 46 of desired height, or otherwise formed bymethods known by those in the metal forming art.

[0039] Further, if desired, rivets 50 through the inlaid metal plate 40can be provided for additional strength. In this regard, an array ofapertures are provided in the metal plate portions 42 and 44. Duringformation of the pad, the elastomeric material will fill the aperturesand form a rivet-like interconnection therebetween. The rivets willresult in the metal plate 40 being further intersecured within and tothe elastomer.

[0040] In the method, referring now to FIG. 3, the pad 30′ is positionedsuch that the heels of the horseshoe are resting above the inlaid metalplate 40. The heels may be positioned up to about one-half inch past theplate 40, or as required. A line is traced on the elastomeric materialabout the outside of the horseshoe.

[0041] In FIG. 4, the trace outline on the pad 30′ is cut, removing thematerial “A”, being careful to cut around the inlaid metal plate. Thepad material “B” is then removed from the top and the bottom of themetal plate.

[0042] In FIG. 5, excess metal 42′ and 44′ is cut-off from the plateportions 42 and 44, such as with a belt sander or hand grinder, or thelike, and any metal remaining ground down to remove any sharp edges.This provides the gripping element 100.

[0043] Turning to FIGS. 6 and 7, the gripping device 100 is shownmounted to the bottom surface of the horse's hoof.

[0044] The pad 30 of the gripping device 100 may be attached to thehorse's hoof by any suitable means, such as by nails. Preferably, and asshown, the pad 30 is configured to substantially overlie the frog of thehorse's foot. The pad 30 with its inlaid plate 40 and traction element46 provides stimulation of the vascular system and hence is an aid toblood circulation, when used in conjunction with hoof impressionmaterial.

[0045] In the method of manufacturing the gripping device 10, thehorseshoe 12 is positioned onto the pad 30′ and a line, similar to thatshown in FIG. 3, is traced about the inside of the horseshoe, the excesspad material is removed, and any exposed end portion of the metal plateground so as to be free of sharp edges. This provides the grippingelement 10 having the desired outer periphery.

[0046] Turning to FIG. 8, the gripping element 10 is shown therein asbeing positioned within or bounded by or traversing the spaces betweenthe branches of the horseshoe 12 and secured to the horse's hoof. Theapex 52, frog 54, and buttress 56 of the frog are shown relative to thehorseshoe 12 and the gripping element 10.

[0047] The pad 30 of the gripping element 10 may be attached to thehorse's hoof along its outer periphery by any suitable means, such as bynails or glue. Preferably, and as shown, the pad 30 is configured tosubstantially overlie the frog of the horse's foot for the same reasonsstated regarding the gripping device 100.

[0048] Several distinct advantages are thus seen as being provided bythe gripping device 10 and 100.

[0049] Desirably there is provided herein a device that aids tractionprotection and therapeutic shoeing applications.

[0050] The gripping device of the present invention improves tractionbetween the horse's hoof and the ground and spreads the shock evenly anddistributes pressure over the entire surface of the horse's hoof.

[0051] The arcuate portion 42 when positioned in relation to the heelsof the horseshoe, offers frog support at the buttress of the frog in amanner similar to straight bar shoes. This is achieved by filling thevoid between the gripping device and the frog with the desiredelastomeric support material.

[0052] The rectangular portion 44, which stems from the toe and up tothe arcuate portion 42, offers support to the center area of the hooflike a traditional heart bar shoe. This feature when combined with thedesired elastomeric support material supports the apex of the frog andthe sole of the hoof.

[0053] The rectangular portion 44 offers support to the sole of thehorse's hoof when the void area of the sole and the gripping device arefilled with the desired elastomeric material.

[0054] Frog stimulation occurs via earth material packing into the openarea 48 of traction portion 46, applying equal pressure against theelastomeric material which covers the hoof side of the gripping deviceand essentially the T-shaped opening of the gripping element. When thegripping element is positioned correctly to the buttress and apex of thefrog, the gripping device design allows the elastomeric material toflex, distributing even frog pressure, stimulating that of which thehoof on ground surface would have. Ultimately, stimulating circulationin the hoof promotes healing of the sore-footed horse.

[0055] The light weight and strength of the gripping device allows anystyle of shoe to be applied to the injured hoof, minimizing added weightto the hoof capsule. A traditional straight bar or heart bar shoe wouldadd more weight to the hoof and hoof capsule. The traction device 46positioned between the heels of the shoe offers traction and supportingqualities whereas therapeutic shoes are heavy and flat which promoteslippage.

[0056] Referring now to FIGS. 9A, 9B and 9C, there is depicted a furtherembodiment of the present invention. In accordance with this embodiment,the pad hereof is used conjointly with a hospital plate 56. By the term“hospital plate” is meant a pad or plate which overlies an injured hoofand through which there is access to the wound of the horse.

[0057] The hospital plate 56 hereof is used with and is complimentary tothe pad 30. The plate 56 is formed from a hard elastomeric material oraluminum having a thickness, preferably, of about ⅛″. The plate 56 canbe made of a universal size or for an individual size. As shown in FIG.9B, the plate is a substantially planar member having a curvilinear edgewhich is complimentary to the interior of a horseshoe. The plate 56 hasa plurality of apertures or threadholes 57 which are intended to orwhich cooperate and register with openings 55 formed in the portion 44.Threaded fasteners, such as screws (not shown) project through theregistering apertures 57 and 55 to secure the plate to the pad.

[0058] The plate 56 includes a cutout portion 60 which is complimentaryto the traction portion 46 and encircled the traction portion, as shown.

[0059] In practicing this embodiment, and as shown in FIG. 9A, theelastomeric pad 30 is cut out or is provided with a plurality of cut outportions 58. By providing the cut out portion or portions 58, theinjured portion of the hoof is free of the pad and, therefore, notouching occurs therebetween to thus prevent irritation thereto.

[0060] It is to be appreciated that the hospital plate is, essentially,insertible into the cut out areas.

[0061] By cutting out the material of the pad, this exposes the hoofsole surface thus allowing a farrier or veterinarian to gain access toan abscess, puncture, wound or the like, to apply the requisite medicineor treatment. The hospital plate 56, then overlies and covers the injuryand is secured to the pad via the threaded fasteners.

[0062] Although various embodiments of the invention have been disclosedfor illustrative purposes, it is understood that variations andmodifications can be made by one skilled in the art without departingfrom the spirit of the invention.

[0063] Having thus described the invention, what is claimed is:

In the claims:
 1. A gripping device for a horse's hoof, the device comprising: a generally planar shock absorbing pad adapted to spread the shock evenly upon striking the contacting surface and taking pressure off the wall of the hoof, and a gripping element for improving the grip between a horse's hoof and the contacting surface, the pad having a top surface adapted to face towards and overlie a horse's hoof, a bottom surface opposite the top surface and an outer periphery, the gripping member having a plate portion and a raised portion extending upwardly from the plate portion, and the plate portion being disposed interiorly of the pad and the raised portion projecting in part above the bottom surface.
 2. The gripping device of claim 1, wherein the pad has a preselected size to fit within and be bounded within an interior wall of a horseshoe.
 3. The gripping device of claim 1, wherein the pad has an outer periphery that is substantially coextensive with the exterior wall of a horseshoe, said pad being disposed between the horse's hoof and the horseshoe when the horseshoe is mounted to the horse's hoof.
 4. A shock absorbing pad adapted for attachment to the bottom surface of a hoof of a horse, comprising: a body portion comprising a durable, resilient material substantially conforming to the shape of the bottom surface of a horse's hoof, the body portion having an upper and a lower surface and an outer periphery, such that the upper surface of said body portion substantially covers the bottom surface of the hoof, and a gripping element extending upwardly from the lower surface of said body portion.
 5. The shock absorbing pad as claimed in claim 4, wherein said gripping element is integrally formed with said body portion.
 6. The shock absorbing pad as claimed in claim 4, further comprising a gripping plate, said gripping plate being embedded interiorly of said body portion and including said gripping element, said gripping element rising from said gripping plate and extending, at least in part, upwardly from the body portion.
 7. The shock absorbing pad as claimed in claim 4, wherein said body portion is a rubber body portion.
 8. The shock absorbing pad as claimed in claim 6, comprising fastening means for fastening the outer periphery to said hoof, the outer periphery being about the same size as said horseshoe.
 9. The shock absorbing pad as claimed in claim 6, wherein said body portion conforms to the interior shape of the horseshoe, said pad being smaller than the interior shape of the horseshoe.
 10. The shock absorbing pad as claimed in claim 6, wherein said body portion conforms to the exterior shape of the horseshoe, said pad being greater than the interior shape of the horseshoe.
 11. The shock absorbing pad as claimed in claim 8, wherein the pad is comprised of rubber.
 12. A shock absorbing pad adapted for attachment to the bottom surface of the hoof of a horse and adjacent to a horseshoe, said pad comprising a body portion formed of an elastomeric material, said body portion being circumposed by the horseshoe and about the same size and shape as the bottom surface of said hoof so that said body portion covers said bottom surface of said hoof, and a gripping section extending upwardly from said body portion.
 13. The shock absorbing pad as claimed in claim 12, further comprising a gripping plate embedded within said body portion, said gripping plate including said gripping section, and fastening means for fastening said pad to the hoof of said horse.
 14. A shock absorbing pad adapted for attachment to the bottom surface of the hoof of a horse and adjacent to a horseshoe, said pad comprising a body portion formed of an elastomeric material, said body portion having an outer periphery that is substantially coextensive with the outer wall of the horseshoe and about the same size and shape as the bottom surface of said hoof so that said body portion covers said bottom surface of said hoof, and a gripping section extending upwardly from said body portion.
 15. The shock absorbing pad as claimed in claim 14, further comprising a gripping plate embedded within said body portion, said gripping plate including said gripping section, and fastening means for fastening said pad to the hoof of said horse.
 16. A method of making a shock absorbing pad adapted for attachment to the bottom surface of a horse's hoof, the steps of the method comprising forming a gripping element from a metal plate, said metal plate including a raised section centrally of said plate, and embedding said gripping element in a body of elastomeric shock absorbing material, said body including a top surface adapted to cover the bottom surface of the horse's hoof and a lower surface, and wherein said raised section extends in part above the lower surface.
 17. The method of making a shock absorbing pad as claimed in claim 16, wherein said step of forming said raised section comprises deforming the sheet of metal at a central location thereof with deformed portions of the sheet extending upwardly to define a T-shaped section and a T-shaped opening, and said step of embedding includes introducing a portion of the elastomeric material into the T-shaped opening to interlock the gripping element in the body of elastomeric shock absorbing material, wherein said T-shaped section extends in part above the lower surface.
 18. The method of making a shock absorbing pad as claimed in claim 17, wherein the steps of the method further comprise: positioning a horseshoe onto the lower surface of the body of elastomeric material, said positioning orienting the horseshoe about the gripping element, tracing an outline of the horseshoe's shape onto the lower surface, and removing the material outside of the line representing the shape of the horseshoe.
 19. The method of making a shock absorbing pad as claimed in claim 18, wherein the horseshoe is generally U-shaped and includes an outer wall and an inner wall, and said step of tracing comprises tracing the shape of the inner wall onto said pad.
 20. The method of making a shock absorbing pad as claimed in claim 18, wherein the horseshoe is generally U-shaped and includes an outer wall and an inner wall, and said step of tracing comprises tracing the shape of the outer wall onto said pad.
 21. The method of making a shock absorbing pad as claimed in claim 17, wherein the steps of the method further comprise; providing the sheet of metal with a plurality of apertures, and said step of embedding further includes introducing elastomeric material into the apertures to further interlock the gripping element to the elastomeric material.
 22. In combination, a horse's hoof, the hoof having a bottom surface, a generally planar shock absorbing pad of elastomeric material, said pad having upper and lower surfaces and a traction element embedded, at least in part, in said elastomeric material, said upper surface being in juxtaposition with said bottom surface and said traction element extending upwardly from said lower surface, and a horseshoe having a generally U-shaped outer and inner walls, and generally parallel first and second surfaces, said first surface being in juxtaposition with said lower surface and said second surface being adapted to contact the ground.
 23. The combination as claimed in claim 22, further comprising means for securing the horseshoe and pad to the hoof, and said pad having an outer periphery that is substantially coextensive with the outer wall of the horseshoe.
 24. In combination, a shock absorbing pad adapted for attachment to the bottom surface of the hoof of a horse and adjacent to a horseshoe, said pad comprising a body portion formed of an elastomeric material, said body portion being circumposed by the horseshoe and about the same size and shape as the bottom surface of said hoof so that said body portion covers said bottom surface of said hoof, and a gripping section extending upwardly from said body portion, said pads having at least one cut out portion for exposing an injury to the hoof, and a hospital plate overlying said pad and secured thereto, said plate being complimentarily formed to the pad. 